By Ben Disney
When Pentecost Day arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound from heaven like the howling of a fierce wind filled the entire house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be individual flames of fire alighting on each one of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them to speak. Acts 2:1-4
They took up a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals, because you were slain, and by your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe, language, people, and nation." Revelation 5:9
Whenever I come across something that stays with me for a while, it’s usually an indication that God is trying to get my attention. Eric Whitacre, an accomplished composer and musician, stumbled upon an idea that is both stunningly beautiful and theologically breathtaking. It began as a simple idea, using the power of music with the advancement of technology to bring people together to form a virtual choir. Individuals from all over the world were invited to participate. From different locations, singers submitted video recordings of their particular parts of the musical composition. One hundred eighty-five voices from twelve countries - people who had never met one another - were joined together to create a virtual choir. The result is some of the most beautiful music you will ever hear. Here’s a link to the site where you can hear the music and discover more about the background to the story: On.TED.com/Whitacre
If you think it’s just about creating beautiful music, you might miss the deeper truth. In a world separated by ethnic, cultural, political, and economic barriers, few things hold the power to break down the walls that divide us. Few things are that transcendent and transformational. Music, worship, the simple act of helping another human being, or the ability to join our voices and spirits together to create something new; whenever you’re fortunate enough to stumble across a moment like that, stop whatever you’re doing and pay close attention. There’s a good chance God is trying to show you something. And if it stays with you for a while, you’ll know where it comes from and what you’re supposed to do with it.
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